Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-COL'O-THIST, or AC'O-LYTE, n. [Gr. ακολουθεω.]

In the ancient Church, one of the subordinate officers, who lighted the lamps, prepared the elements of the sacraments, attended the bishops, &c. An officer of the like character is still employed in the Romish Church. – Encyc.